Hendry taking over Sopel's role in the top five, and Richmond (?) taking a role in the top six.

Niemi proving he can be a strong starter for a full season, and Crawford showing the form that made him the Hawks' top goaltending prospect in prior seasons, not to mention considerably outplaying Niemi in the AHL in 08-09.

Chicago will be younger, given the number of prospects they will have coming onto the roster, with one vet (Reasoner) coming in to replace a vet (Madden) who was older and more expensive. Chicago's offseason plan includes dumping two other vets who will be replaced by young players (Sopel, Huet). Every other position will be replaced by younger, cheaper players who Bowman is hoping can develop well within their first couple of seasons.

They'll be good. Fourth or fifth in the conference. Probably top eight overall. But they won't make the Cup Finals and their chances at the WCF are slim.

Edited by eva unit zero, 01 July 2010 - 11:56 PM.

"I've never seen a warlock do that without his magic.""I once devoured a monk's soul. It tasted like chocolate."